On April 21st, Bill Pottorff, Grant Higgins and Dennis Vitt will be attempting a Saddle Sore 1000 ride. Which means we have to ride over 1000 miles in under 24 hours. I'm riding in dedication to my "second dad" Ray Thompson, who some of you knew. He was my dad's lifelong best friend. He suffered his entire life with epilepsy, although it was manageable. He and my father would ride their motorcycles all over the place. I think their most epic journey was a week long trip through Jackson Wyoming, Yellowstone, Montana, across Canada and back home. I was hugely envious even though I was only 15 or 16 at the time.Dennis and Grant are also riding in support of the ongoing fight against Epilepsy.One day on his way to work, Ray was hit by someone who turned left in front of him. He survived the crash, but suffered many seizures per day for the rest of his much shortened life.

He passed away in 2009. It was a terribly sad day.

So I'm seeking out sponsors to make donations to the Epilepsy Foundation. Any amount you chose to donate is greatly appreciated. If you chose not to - that's perfectly fine too. We know times are tough.

Thanks in advance and you can track our April 21st ride at the following link:

Hi Ray,the world is a lot poorer with out you. Everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you misses you. I think of you quite often, & remember all the fun times we had together. God bless you my friend. Sleep well.
Bob

Shani Hulst

Mon, Apr 09, 2012

Billy....you are true blue! I know that Ray is LOVING this, as well as it is such a tender touch to Sharon & Kelly!
Best of Luck.
Ride On Ray!
-Always, Shani

Sharon Thompson

Fri, Apr 06, 2012

Bill, Grant and Dennis, I want to thank all of you so much for doing this wonderful tribute and for helping the Epilepsy Foundation. Bill, Ray would be ready to ride this ride with you right now. I know he is smiling right now and so am I, knowing how much you loved him - thank you for being you. Have fun and be safe.

Kelly Moutsatson

Fri, Apr 06, 2012

My dad was one of the most amazing men. He was loved by all who knew him and touched their lives in so many ways. I feel so incredibly blessed to have had him has a father and a role model. There is not ONE DAY that goes by that I don't think of him and miss him. I am so moved by Bill's gesture! It is an incredible task! My dad lived with his epilepsy and all that was associated with it ... and yet, you would have NEVER known. He embraced life to its fullest and appreciated each and every person he shared life with. Thank you, Bill, for your generous spirit. I support this goal! I will share with others and invite all to do the same! Our thanks to you and all who have visited this page!

Robin Danielson

Fri, Apr 06, 2012

Thank you for honoring Ray through your ride. The world was a better place with him in it and he is greatly missed. Love you Sharon, Kelly and family. xoxo Robin

Betty Silliman Gray

Fri, Apr 06, 2012

Great thing you are doing for a great
person. I wish you luck and a wonderful time, good weather.
Ray was a really good person, lots of fun, always happy.
So glad I found Sharon of FB and shared some memories. God Bless

Vic Pottorff

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

I met Ray in Oct 1957 after I got out of the Navy. 4 of us met about the same time, Ray, Waren, John and me. He was a wonderful friend for 54 years as well as John and Waren. Life won't be the same without Ray!!!!!!

Bill Pottorff

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

I'd like to thank and recognize Chuck Whitaker for his donation, which went directly to the foundation, thanks to me giving him the wrong link - really bad headache...can't even think.
Also - Hi Warren! How the heck are you!? If you still ride you're welcome to join us for 1000 miles of fun!

WARREN BACAL

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

I THINK THIS A GREAT TRIBUTE TO A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE. I HAD NOT SEEN RAY OR SHARON IN MANY YEARS. SHARON FOUND ME ON FACE BOOK AND THATS HOW I FOUND OUT ABOUT RAY. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RIDE AND RIDE SAFE. I DID THAT RIDE IN 2010.